might ask the client

might ask the client

Week #3 – Main Post

Three Questions I might ask the client

I would ask the client if he is currently depressed. This question will allow me to determine if there was a certain trigger for this depressive episode. The question will allow the client to share his thoughts about how he is viewing is current mental state.
Are you often irritable with others, including coworkers due to the stress and demands of your career? How would you describe your mood at work? This question will help establish how he interacts with his coworkers.
Have you in the past 3-4 weeks had any thoughts of suicide or causing harm to others around you? Clients that have major depressive disorder may have suicidal thoughts. The age of the client and having depressive episodes after each divorce also place the client at a higher risk (Taylor, 2015). The need for a suicide risk assessment is present.
Identify people in the client’s life I need to speak to

The client has provided a family history that includes multiple relatives being diagnosed with depression. I would of course first ask permission of the client to interview the family members and coworkers without violating the client’s confidentiality. The family member with the history of depression would be good people to speak with about depression. The family members may be able to offer some insight to the symptoms the client is currently having. The nurse practitioner would then have the opportunity to ask the family how they deal with their depression. Do they take antidepressant medication? Have they tried psychotherapy? If so have they seen any positive effects from the chosen therapy? The coworkers would also be good people to ask about the client. The coworkers could be asked if they have noticed any changes in the client’s behavior or moods while at work.